Today, iHealth Lab Inc., announced the extension of its suite of personal mobile health devices to include a line of wearable products designed to provide monitoring over an extended period of time. The products include:
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the industry's first wearable, mobile-enabled ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM)
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a lightweight, wearable mobile-enabled wireless ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) designed for 24-hour continuous monitoring
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a new mobile-enabled wearable pulse oximeter designed for continuous monitoring up to 12 hours
These new products extend iHealth's leadership in the personal mobile health arena by adding a series of new wearable devices that eliminate the expense, bulk and complexity commonly associated with similar industrial-grade devices. Now users in need of continuous monitoring will have direct access to affordable, user-friendly devices that automatically send data to mobile devices and the cloud, making it easy to track, record and share information with medical professionals and caregivers.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor
iHealth unveiled the industry's first wearable, ambulatory blood pressure monitor that connects to a user's mobile device via Bluetooth or a PC through a USB cable, for comfortable monitoring and simplified data transfer. The new technology allows for a sleeker, lightweight monitor that is worn inside a vest, providing 24-hour monitoring without changing a user's normal daily routine. The monitor can be set to obtain blood pressure readings over an extended period of time at regular intervals of 15, 30, 45, 60 or 120 minutes. Such readings are useful in helping doctors get a clearer picture of how an individual's blood pressure changes throughout the day. Twenty-four hour blood pressure monitoring is commonly used to better understand cases of suspected nocturnal hypertension, "white-coat" hypertension or resistant hypertension where anti-hypertensive medications fail to control high blood pressure. The device is compatible with both iOS and select Android devices. It uses a rechargeable battery and will store up to 200 measurements.
Wireless Ambulatory ECG
iHealth also announced a first of its kind wearable, ambulatory ECG that monitors heart activity continuously without the need for cumbersome wires or connections. The electrodes and monitor are ergonomically designed into a single, lightweight unit that attaches directly to the users chest and can be worn under clothing. The data can be transferred directly to a user's mobile device that automatically pushes data to the cloud, allowing for easy access by health care professionals. Ambulatory ECG's are commonly used to test for abnormal heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmia) that is often sporadic and easier to identify via extended measurement periods. The new device uses Bluetooth 4.0 BLE to transfer data to an IOS device or can transfer data to a PC using an USB cable. The product uses a rechargeable battery and stores up to 72 hours of data.
Wearable Pulse Oximeter
The third new entry in the iHealth wearable suite of products is a pulse oximeter designed for continuous monitoring of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate. The new design uses a fingertip sensor that connects directly to a sleek and comfortable wristband, making it ideal for measuring SpO2 levels during normal daily activity or while sleeping. Pulse oximeters are commonly used to detect OSAS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome), COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and sleep apnea.
The product stores up to 1,000 hours of data, uses Bluetooth 4.0 BLE and is compatible with iOS devices and select Android devices.
Mobile Application and Cloud Storage
As with existing iHealth devices, users will be able to pair these products with their mobile device using a free companion app. Data is displayed on the mobile device and automatically stored in the cloud, making it easy to manage and share results.
"These new products bring continuous vitals monitoring to a whole new level," said Adam Lin, President of iHealth Lab. "We designed these products with the users in mind. They are ergonomically engineered to be comfortable and easy to use, while delivering robust, accurate measurements that can be easily shared with health care professionals using the latest wireless technology."
Availability
Pending FDA approval, these products are targeted for availability in the 2nd half of 2014. Pricing has not yet been announced.
The products are on display at the at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall 2 - 26100. Press may also get a sneak peek at the Pepcom Digital Experience press event from 7:00 to 10:30 pm PDT on Monday, Jan. 6th, at the Mirage Hotel.
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